Great Back-to-School Tech Deals

The largest purchase for an off-to-college student is generally a new computer or other tech product. Luckily, manufacturers and retailers know this, and are offering some great deals and premiums to get students' business (for some of these deals, you'll need a valid .edu e-mail address and/or a student ID). Namely:

PC PremiumsMicrosoft, Dell, and HP are throwing in a bonus 4G Xbox 360 (a $200 value) with the purchase of a qualifying $700-plus Windows 7 laptop. (I can't say I'm 100% supportive of sending kids off with a brand-new video-game console, but I suppose there are worse ways they could be spending their downtime...)

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Mac PackagesApple is offering a $100 iTunes gift card with a purchase of an iMac or a MacBook Pro or Air. It's also giving an up-to-$100 rebate on printers (and not just for students) with the purchase of a new Mac — a few actually become free. The rumor is that Best Buy is matching Apple's iTunes offer with a $100 store gift card — but you have to ask, because it's an unadvertised deal. (Bonus: Best Buy's prices are slightly lower for the same computers — and not just for students.)

eReader DiscountAmazon.com has knocked $25 off the price of the Wi-Fi-only Kindle if you're willing to allow ads (or, as they call them, "special offers and sponsored screensavers.") to appear on the home screen — worth it, I think, because they don't interrupt the reading experience at all). The special price for the Wi-Fi-only version: $114. (You'll pay $139 for the 3G+Wi-Fi one; regular price is $189.) These discounts are available to anyone.

Before you go shopping for a student of any age, check out our recommendations for back-to-school gear. And, when stocking up on basic supplies, consider The Daily Green's advice on chosing eco-friendlier notebooks and more.

What other back-to-school tech deals have you seen? Tip us off in the comments below.